Title...
Proclamation honoring in memoriam Mahalia Jackson, an influential gospel singer, also known as “The Queen of Gospel.”
Body...
WHEREAS, it is the duty of Allegheny County Council to recognize and honor outstanding individuals in both the County and across the nation for their extraordinary achievements. In the month of February, Black History Month, we especially recognize members of the African-American community for their historic accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Mahalia Jackson was a famous African American gospel singer and civil rights advocate. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1911, Mahalia battled a difficult childhood. She found sanctuary singing at Mount Mariah Baptist Church. In 1927, she moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she continued to sing at churches and joined the Johnson Gospel Singers; and
WHEREAS, after having some success under other record labels, Mahalia signed with Apollo Records, where she became internationally known. In 1950, Mahalia was the first gospel singer to perform at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. She signed to Columbia Records in 1954 and gained mainstream success, singing at the inaugural ball of President John F. Kennedy in 1961; and
WHEREAS, Mahalia, a fervent supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a victim of racial prejudice herself, sang at the March on Washington and several of his fundraisers and events, traveling to dangerous areas in the south to perform. Mahalia also sang at Dr. King’s funeral, and financially contributed to the civil rights movement; and
WHEREAS, Mahalia released her last record in 1969 and died of heart failure and diabetes complications in 1972. During her lifetime and posthumously, she received five Grammy nominations and three Grammy awards, the Grammy Hall of Fame Award, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Louisiana Hall of Fame. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and United States Postal Service postage stamp in ...
Click here for full text